*
banner

Banding couple call for banding help with mining museum

A small mining museum run by a former CWS (Manchester) bandsman and his wife are looking for help to celebrate the connection between the industry and brass bands.

Museum
  Carole Johnson polishes an old miner's lamp at the Woodend Mining Museum

Photographer Lorne Campbell continues to make sure that the brass band movement is kept in the mind's eye of the national press with his fantastic images once again making it to the pages of leading regional and national publications.

Harry and Carole Johnson (above) own and run Woodend Mining Museum near Burnley in Lancashire.

Bandsman

Harry (74), started playing cornet with the famous Irwell Springs Band and was tutored by Clifton Jones, who played for Bickershaw Colliery. In May 1964 he joined CWS (Manchester) Band and played on the front row under Alex Mortimer for four years before leaving to play in local bands.

Although his work as a coach driver meant he gave up full time banding in 1980, he still plays the cornet at his home today.

When the couple bought some additional land next to their small farm they found that the capped shaft of the former Woodend Colliery was on their land. It closed in 1959.

When the couple bought some additional land next to their small farm they found that the capped shaft of the former Woodend Colliery was on their land. It closed in 19594BR

Memorabilia help

Carole has since opened a small museum and is appealing to any local colliery bands to see if they would donate any memorabilia on loan or photocopies of photographs which can be displayed to celebrate the mining heritage of the area.

Her e-mail address is carole3149@outlook.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd